DAVID VONDRAN CEO/GENERAL MANAGER
Watch the clock to lock in energy savings
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure our members stay cool and connected.
August brings some of the most extreme summer temps, which means people will be spending more time indoors to avoid the heat, and air conditioners will work overtime. This increased use of electricity will cause spikes in demand, also known as energy peaks. During peak times, we must work closely with our wholesale power provider to ensure a balanced supply of electricity is always available to meet our cooperative’s energy needs.
When our area experiences extreme summer heat and higher demand for electricity, you can help by conserving energy. It’s easy –– just check the clock and avoid your energy-intensive activities and chores during peak hours. These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes.
There are many ways to lower your home energy use. Here are a few recommendations to help you save energy (and money) during the summer peak:
•Adjust the thermostat. Move the temperature up a few degrees in summer, and bump it further up when you’re away from home for extended periods of time.
•Postpone the use of major appliances. Move laundry loads to later in the evening or weekends. Delay running the dishwasher until well after dinner or use the delay cycle function.
•Change your times to shower or bathe. Your water heater uses a significant amount of energy. You can reduce its energy burden by moving showering and bathing to an off-peak time or lowering the temperature on the tank.
•Cook outdoors. During summer, consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days.
•Turn off lights and fans. In unoccupied rooms, turn off lights and ceiling fans. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms.
•Charge electric vehicles (EVs) overnight. If you have an EV, charge it at night when usage is typically lowest.
•Unplug electronics when they’re not in use or use smart power strips to manage devices.
•Close drapes and blinds during the afternoon to block unnecessary heat from sunlight.
When we all work together to beat the summer peak, our entire cooperative benefits. Saving energy during peak times reduces your bills, keeps electric rates lower for all and relieves pressure on the grid.
2024 director election results
C & L Electric Cooperative members have elected two directors to the system’s board, as announced at the organization’s annual membership meeting June 20 in Star City.
Charles Searcy representing Drew County and Robert Wilson Floyd representing Lincoln County were both reelected to serve five-year terms.
Robert Wilson Floyd, a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, has been a director of C & L Electric for eight years.
Robert Wilson graduated from Star City High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello and SEARK Technical College. He helps operate the family businesses — Floyd’s Chipmill, Inc., Floyd’s Sawmill, Inc. and Floyd’s Auto Parts, Inc., where he is vice president.
Robert Wilson and his wife, Rachael, have three daughters: Josie Claire, Jane Elle and Jeorgia Anne. They are members of First Baptist Church in Star City, where Robert Wilson serves as a deacon.
Representing Drew County, Charles Searcy of Wilmer has been a director of C & L Electric since June 2000. During that time, he has served as a director for both Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC). He has also served as president and secretary-treasurer on the C & L Electric board of directors.
Charles graduated from Monticello High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He is a certified public accountant and a partner of Searcy & Associates, LLC in Monticello.
Charles and his wife, Leslie Hollinger Searcy, are members of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. They have three children, Morgan, Abby and Matthew.
Connett earns national certification
Bryan Connett, C & L Electric’s safety coordinator, has completed the Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) program, made up of a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), in conjunction with the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association.
“The safety of our employees and members is our top priority,” David Vondran, CEO of C & L Electric said. “We are proud of Bryan’s dedication to that standard and his achievement of this CLCP designation. We congratulate him on joining the ranks of loss control professionals throughout our industry.”
Connett states, “Safety is more than just a set of rules or procedures. It’s a mindset, a commitment we make to ourselves and each other. It’s about protecting not only ourselves but also those around us. Our goal is to serve our members with excellence, but our priority is to ensure that every member on our team returns home safely to their loved ones.”
Connett was named Safety Coordinator in 2019. He has been with C & L Electric for 25 years.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. SHERIDAN OFFICE 1586 S. Rock St. (870) 942-2732 Hours:
8 a.m.-11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. BOARD MEMBERS
Charles S. Searcy
“Phil”
“Bubba”
Our offices will close on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Charles Searcy
Robert Wilson Floyd
Bryan Connett
C & L Electric delegates attend Youth Tour
Claire Haley and KyleeAnne White represented C & L Electric Cooperative on the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., in June.
Claire is the daughter of Glenn and Amber Haley. KyleeAnne is the daughter of Kaci Glover and Gordon White. They were two of the 47 students representing Arkansas on Youth Tour.
The Youth Tour experience is filled with fun activities, but its overall purpose is to increase students’ understanding of the value of rural electrification. Additionally, the students got the chance to visit monuments, historic sites and meet elected officials to increase the students’ knowledge of how the federal government works.
When asked about Youth Tour, KyleeAnn said, “My favorite part was getting to meet people that I would have never been able to meet otherwise. Not only was I able to meet people all across Arkansas, I was able to get to know people all across the country.”
Claire added that her favorite part of Youth Tour was all of the new friendships that were made. She went on to say, “We were able to get to know many new people from Arkansas, as well as people from across the country, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. All of the museums and monuments were absolutely incredible, and it was such an honor to be chosen to go on this trip.”
C & L Electric is proud to sponsor Youth Tour and provide our local youth with an opportunity to learn and experience a trip of a lifetime. It is one way that we fulfill one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, concern and commitment to our community.
For more information on Youth Tour visit our website clelectric.com/youth-tour.
C & L Electric’s Youth Tour delegates (from left) Claire Haley and KyleeAnne White were two of 47 students representing Arkansas on the educational trip.
Claire Haley (left) and KyleeAnne White visit the the U.S. Capitol as part of Youth Tour.
NANCY MEADOR